Penmenvy vaccine: What to know
Penmenvy is a biologic. These drugs are made from living cells. It’s not possible to copy these drugs exactly. A generic, on the other hand, refers to drugs made from chemicals. A generic is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication.
Biosimilars are considered to be as safe and effective as their reference drug. Like generics, biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name medications. Penmenvy is not available as a biosimilar.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Penmenvy vaccine to help prevent meningitis A, B, C, W, and Y in children and adults ages 10 to 25 years old.
Meningitis is a bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can cause symptoms including fever, neck stiffness, headache, and confusion. While this infection is rare, it can lead to brain damage or even death.
The cost of Penmenvy can vary depending on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or insurance provider for more information on the cost of Penmenvy.
Penmenvy is given as an intramuscular injection by a healthcare profession. It comes as a powder in a vial and liquid in a prefilled-syringe. Before administering Penmenvy, a healthcare professional will mix these two together.
You will receive two doses of Penmenvy. These will be given 6 months apart from each other.
If you have questions about Penmenvy’s dosing schedule, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
An intramuscular injection is an injection given into the muscle. It is typically used when administering vaccines.
The most common place an intramuscular injection is given for vaccines is in the upper arm. But, it may also be given in the hip, thigh, or buttocks.
Penmenvy and Penbraya are both brand-name vaccines used to prevent meningitis. Learn more about how these two compare in the table below.
Penmenvy can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
To find out more, you can refer to Penmenvy’s prescribing information.
For some people, Penmenvy can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect was not reported in Penmenvy’s studies, but it has been since the vaccine was on the market.
If you develop serious side effects while receiving Penmenvy, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Experiencing side effects? If you experience one or more side effects with this vaccine, you can report it through the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS) or by calling 800-822-7967.
Here are a few things to consider about Penmenvy before you start receiving this vaccine.
Penmenvy is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol. The manufacturer did not list any interactions in the Penmenvy’s prescribing information.
However, this doesn’t mean that interactions won’t be recognized in the future. Before receiving Penmenvy, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about drugs, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take.
In general, Penmenvy is considered safe to receive during pregnancy. Animal studies did not report any negative effects. (Animal studies may not always indicate what happens in humans.) You and your doctor can discuss your specific situation.
It’s not known whether Penmenvy should be given while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before receiving this medication.
Before receiving Penmenvy, discuss your health history with your doctor. Penmenvy may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
Penmenvy is a brand-name vaccine used to help prevent certain types of meningitis in certain adults and children. You will receive two doses of this vaccine over a period of six months.
Penmenvy is similar to another brand-name vaccine, Penbraya. Talk with your doctor if Penmenvy is right for you.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.